BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS
KUCHING: Sarawak is steadfastly positioning itself as a global leader in sustainability, fully committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reaffirmed this commitment, emphasising that environmental sustainability forms a cornerstone of Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“At the core of this vision is our dedication to environmental sustainability, which forms a fundamental pillar of our PCDS 2030.
“This roadmap is our blueprint for a sustainable future, where renewable energy drives growth, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, and Sarawak emerges as a regional energy powerhouse,” he said in his speech during the 11th Premier of Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2023/2024 at Imperial Hotel here, on Wednesday (Jan 22).
He also said Sarawak’s sustainability ambitions draw inspiration from the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“The conference focused on accelerating the global shift to clean energy, strengthening carbon markets, and mobilising climate finance to achieve net-zero by 2050.
“The event emphasised the crucial roles of renewable energy, decarbonisation technologies, and climate adaptation,” he said.
He highlighted that the key outcomes of COP29, including enhanced commitments to carbon pricing, increased funding for green infrastructure, and expanded investments in sustainable technologies, align with the state’s efforts to promote global goals by advancing clean energy solutions such as hydropower, solar energy, and hydrogen.
“We are also leading the way with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Ordinance and promoting sustainable practices to address climate change and drive long-term growth,” he said.
On a related note, Abang Johari also encouraged all relevant agencies to view the GHG Ordinance not just as compliance, but as an opportunity to innovate, lead in environmental stewardship, and shape a sustainable, resilient future for Sarawak.
“Together, we can turn climate challenges into opportunities that benefit both our economy and future generations,” he said.
